The Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the peaceful occupation of offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nationwide following what it described as the commission’s failure to restore the party’s leadership under David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
In a letter dated April 13, 2026, and signed by the ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, the group said its earlier 72-hour ultimatum to INEC had expired without compliance, accusing the commission of actions that undermine democratic order in Nigeria.
The youth wing stated that the party’s National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, under INEC supervision, lawfully dissolved the previous National Working Committee and produced a new leadership led by David Mark, with Aregbesola serving as National Secretary. According to the letter, INEC later received, verified and officially recognized the leadership on September 9, 2025, without any objection at the time.
The group explained that although some former officials later challenged the process in court, the Court of Appeal directed parties to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case. It insisted that the last uncontested leadership position remains the one headed by David Mark.
The ADC youths accused INEC of acting on letters and pending court motions without a final judicial decision and alleged that the commission assumed the role of interpreting court orders, which they said is outside its constitutional responsibility.
They demanded the immediate restoration of the recognized leadership on INEC’s official portal and called on the commission to demonstrate neutrality and respect constitutional limits in handling party matters.
The youth wing further stated that ADC members, alongside civil society supporters, have commenced what it described as a peaceful and lawful occupation of INEC offices across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that the action would continue indefinitely until the leadership under David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola is restored.
“This is not a protest of convenience,” the group said. “It is a necessary democratic resistance and a defence of the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.”
